Select board adopts emergency staff policies to cope with COVID-19

Wednesday

GRAFTON – While the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Grafton is now up to 33, Town Administrator Timothy McInerney explained that some of those people are recovering from COVID-19.

The 33 people who have contracted this often debilitating, if not deadly, disease have been “quite cooperative’’ with the rules and regulations around self-quarantining so as not to spread COVID-19, Mr. McInerney told the select board Tuesday, April 14.

In the wake of daily increases of COVID-19 cases, the board approved adopting the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Paid Family and Medical Leave Act that went into effect nearly two weeks ago to help employees impacted by COVID-19.

Assistant Town Administrator Rebecca Meekins explained that the emergency family leave act supplements the existing act by allowing qualified employees to receive paid leave to care for family members, such as a child, who has contracted the virus. The measure allows employees who have tested positive with COVID-19 or who are awaiting test results, to take sick leave without depleting their existing sick time.

No town employees have contracted COVID-19, Mr. McInerney said.

To assist residents who don’t have internet access, the town sent out a two-page mass mailing to provide people with resources and information about COVID-19.

Mr. Interney stressed that while there is a core group of employees working in the municipal center, that is closed to the public, most employees are working remotely, thanks in part, to laptops and information technology supports provided to the town from the school department. For more information, call (508) 839-5335. Town staff are responding to emails and phone calls.

Since town emergency workers have an adequate supply of personal protective equipment, some equipment such as masks and protective gowns, were given to Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to be distributed to hospitals.

In light of the financial strain many families are suffering due to non-essential businesses having to close to curb the spread of COVID-19, Mr. McInerney suggested postponing the due date for property taxes to June 1, waiving interest and penalties on payments that were due, and prohibiting shutting off town services during this crisis.

Select board member Peter Carlson asked the town administrator to provide a report on the financial impact of these measures.

Last month, Gov. Charlie Baker issued an order banning utility companies from shutting off gas, electric and water. Grafton has local control over water and sewer facilities.